Debby Wong – USPRESSWIRE
The Orlando Magic fell to 2-5 record on the season following a 99-89 loss to the undefeated New York Knicks. Orlando has not won a game since their 115-94 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 4th, and Tuesday night’s loss now pushes their losing streak to five.
That said, the final score was anything but indicative of just how close this game was down to the wire. As both teams were actually knotted at 79 with 10:35 remaining in the fourth quarter.
So while Orlando ultimately fell short, Magic fans were able to quickly immerse themselves in twitter, as Arron Afflalo took over the official Orlando Magic twitter for account for Social Media Night. Fans were able to to indulge their curiosities and tweet with Afflalo directly for about 15 minutes or so following the game. Here are just a few of questions that are apparently weighing on fan’s minds:
The Magic’s @arronafflalo is now taking over our Twitter feed. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
Q: How is the dynamic of you and J.J. Redick on the floor together for both of you?
Afflalo: @chris_healey24 I think @jjredick is great, a great shooter. He created a lot of space on the floor for me. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
Redick was arguably the best performer for the Magic in Tuesday night’s loss, as he finished with a team high 18 points and the second most assists with 7.
Q. What can the team learn from this loss?
Afflalo: @airbender106 – We definitely need to limit our turnovers and take advantage of our open opportunities. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
The turnover disparity was undoubtedly one of the games deciding factors, as the Magic turned the ball over 20 times to the Knicks 9. And as for missing open opportunities? It really doesn’t get any more open than the free throw line, where Orlando offered up a cringe-worthy 58.8%.
Q. Biggest change from playing in Denver to playing in Orlando?
Afflalo: @andrewclarke112 – Just overall responsibility and joining my new teammates. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
While it was a simple answer, it’s the truth. Afflalo has stepped into a leadership role with the Magic and has taken his increased responsibility in stride. He’s now averaging career highs almost unanimously across the board, most notably his 16.7 points and 5 rebounds per game.
Q. What did you think of the Rooks tonight?
Afflalo: @rsmithlaxhoops – I thought @moe_harkless & @nicholaf44 did a great job. They provided energy and a spark for us. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
It was the first night both of Orlando’s rookies, Maurice Harkless and Andrew Nicholson, scored in the double-digits. It also was a break out game for Harkless as he posted 10 points, 7 rebounds and a staggering 4 blocks in only 19 minutes of action.
Q. You think you have a future with Orlando?
Afflalo: @zaza470 – Yeah, I would like my future to be in Orlando. I would love to finish my career here. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
If you’re a Magic fan, just smile.
Q: —-Lastly, I was even lucky enough to get a question answered myself.
@arronafflalo What is the biggest improvement you want to make in your game over the course of the season? #TweetMagic
— Danny Nicks (@dannyjnicks) November 14, 2012
Afflalo: @dannyjnicks – Biggest thing I want to improve is my playmaking ability so I can make plays for myself & my teammates. #TweetMagic
— Orlando Magic (@Orlando_Magic) November 14, 2012
Afflalo doesn’t necessarily light up the assists column, however he does do an excellent job of drawing defensive attention. Afterall, playmaking isn’t always about getting the assist, it’s about putting your teammates in a position to succeed. And in that regard, Afflalo’s done a pretty solid job.
The Magic will now have a much needed two days off before hitting the road to face the Detroit Pistons Nov 16th.
